today the mailman brought a FOOD PACKET SURVIVAL General Purpose Dated 12/89. I have bought it at ebay.de for 1 EURO (about 1,44 USD). The seller described the ration can as very dented, but still closed and compact. But as I opened the pack I saw that the can has a little hole at the bottom and the lid was not closed complete. So I opened the can. Here are some photos:

FOOD PACKET SURVIVAL can front

FOOD PACKET SURVIVAL can back

FOOD PACKET SURVIVAL can upper side

FOOD PACKET SURVIVAL can upper side, open lid

First row GRANOLA BARS (shows mug of bugs and maggots)

Second row GRANOLA BARS and COFFEE INSTANT TYPE I (shows mug of bugs and maggots)

FOOD PACKET SURVIVAL can empty

All contents at one glance: Four GRANOLA BARS, three packs of SUGAR, one pack of COFFEE INSTANT TYPE I and one pack of SOUP AND GRAVY BASE CHICKEN-FLAVORED. All contents are leaking and show grub of bugs and maggots . Even dead bugs and maggots are still in the can.

wow!They were all messed up! Sorry to see that... I have 6 of them dated 1-90 in perfect condition, little dented but no tears or holes.None is bulked up.

I posted my review in the forums about a year ago back in 5-08 ,when I got them on ebay for less than $12 with s/h . Originally I got 7 but I opened one and tested them. The can I opened had a vaccum seal and hissed when I opened it . Its contents were ok and tasted very fresh. Those granola and oatmeal bars were very ,very satisfying.They do bulk you up!! And the best part was the old Type I coffee...

Now I'm trying to get the newer version in the cardboard boxes the GP-I (General purpose food packet-Improved).They said the british have a similar GP emergency ration with extra things including a disposable cup.

btw mreheather72,did a check on how old this was:1. INTERIM Stamped 4317, 1994 or 2004, I don’t know. The contents you can find here: viewtopic.php?f=1&t=1421&hilit=preservatives&start=10 so far i think its a 1994 since its bars have old style brown and grey wraps